Melanie

Today

As I step into my house, I find my parents sitting in the living room, absorbed in the glow of the TV. I offer a greeting, and they respond with warm smiles.

My mom glances over at me, curiosity in her eyes. "What did you buy, sweetheart?"

"Come with me, Mom. I'll show you," I reply, a hint of excitement in my voice.

We ascend the stairs to my room, and I gesture for my mom to settle on the bed. I place the shopping bags beside her and pull out the green dress I purchased earlier. As my mom's eyes light up, I can't help but feel a surge of joy.

"What do you think?" I ask, anticipation dancing in my eyes.

Mom's eyes light up as she takes in the dress. "Oh, Melanie, it's wonderful! Such good quality too."

I beam with pride, delighted that my choice meets her approval. "I'm glad you like it, Mom."

Leaning closer, my mom asks, "When are you leaving for Mallory's?"

"Tomorrow, after work. We'll head over in the evening."

"That sounds nice," Mom says. "I'll leave a basket out tonight, filled with goodies. You can take it to Mallory."

I nod in agreement. "Sounds great. What did you make?"

A twinkle of pride sparkles in her eyes. "I made banana bread, some cookies with cream-cheese frosting, and cinnamon rolls."

I can't help but let out a moan of delight. "Your cinnamon rolls are the best, Mom."

She chuckles. "Well, I saved you some if you want."

The thought of those warm, gooey cinnamon rolls is irresistible. I consider for a moment and then say, "Okay, I'll take some."

Mom stands up, ready to retrieve the tempting treats. "I'll bring them to you," she offers.

I smile, grateful for her gesture. "No, I'll get them myself. I know where you hide them."

We head back downstairs, where Mom joins Dad in the living room. I make my way to the kitchen, where I retrieve a plate of the coveted cinnamon rolls, the sweet aroma filling the air. With a plate in hand, I head back to my room. I settle on the bed, the shopping bags, and cinnamon rolls at my side, my laptop in front of me.

I open my laptop, the soft glow illuminating my room as I resume my search for apartments. A warm cinnamon roll in hand, I savor each bite, the sweet taste providing a momentary escape. Clicking through listings, I save the ones that catch my eye, envisioning a future beyond the confines of my childhood home.

As I scroll through the listings, my phone rings, disrupting the quiet rhythm of my apartment search. I quickly retrieve it from my bag, and the caller ID reveals it's Daniel. A smile forms on my lips as I answer, "Hey, baby."

"Hi, Melanie," Daniel's voice comes through the phone.

"How was your day?" I ask and take another satisfying bite of the cinnamon roll.

"It was good," he replies. "Are you eating something?"

I nod, even though he can't see me. "Yeah, my mom's cinnamon rolls. They're amazing."

Before I can launch into an enthusiastic description of their deliciousness, Daniel interrupts, his tone stern. "You shouldn't eat that garbage, Melanie. You'll gain weight."

I mumble, "I can afford to gain some. I'm not fat."

He groans, a sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "You were fat before. I like you like this."

Before I can argue – because I was never fat – he drops a bombshell. "We're leaving Saturday morning, not Friday."

Disappointment washes over me, and I inquire, "Why?"

"Something came up," Daniel responds vaguely.

Curiosity gets the better of me, and I press, "What came up?"

Daniel shuts me down with a curt remark, "You're asking too many questions."

I apologize, a knot forming in my stomach. "Sorry."

He tersely informs me, "I'll see you Saturday morning."

"Okay," I reply, my voice subdued. "I love you."

"Me too," he says before hanging up, leaving me with a sinking feeling.

I place my phone on the vanity, its screen reflecting back the image of someone I barely recognize. I can understand why everyone is worried. My once vibrant self seems diminished, and the weight loss, unnecessary. Mallory will undoubtedly be concerned when she sees me like this. A fleeting glance at my reflection in the mirror reveals a version of myself that feels unfamiliar. The dullness in my skin, the lackluster shine of my hair—it all speaks of a health that has waned.

My eyes drift to the nightstand, where a picture of Adam and Mallory rests. Adam loves Mallory exactly as she is. I take another bite of the cinnamon roll, contemplating that Daniel should feel the same way about me. He should have told me why we can't leave for Mallory's tomorrow. Was it unreasonable for me to ask what happened?

Returning to my bed, I sit down and resume scrolling through apartment listings. Determination builds within me as I come across one that catches my eye—an apartment with two bedrooms, natural light, a fireplace, and a reasonable price. Something inside me shifts, and I feel a renewed sense of purpose. This could be it.

Getting off the bed once more, I grab my phone and dial the listing number. Setting up an appointment to see the apartment tomorrow, I hang up and fall back onto the bed. Excitement surges through me. Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing that we won't leave tomorrow. Perhaps, by tomorrow, I'll be holding the keys to my new apartment.

Turning on my side, I eagerly flip through the images of the apartment I've just scheduled to see. With each picture, my excitement grows, and I find myself liking the place even more. The natural light flooding the living room, the cozy fireplace, and the spacious bedrooms—all of it contributes to my newfound enthusiasm. Closing my laptop, I place it on the nightstand and reach for another cinnamon roll.

I take another bite, the warmth and sweetness momentarily distracting me from my growing anticipation. Earlier, I was tired, but now, fueled by anticipation, sleep feels like an elusive prospect. Leaning back against the headboard, I let my mind wander into the realm of daydreams, picturing myself in my new apartment. It's a comforting thought, a glimmer of a future that feels more in my control. But then, a realization dawns on me—I didn't check the location of the apartment.

I roll my eyes at my oversight, swiftly grabbing my laptop from the nightstand. Opening it, I pull up the listing, my eyes scanning for the crucial detail. As the information unfolds on the screen, I see that the apartment is near where Adam used to live when he was in this city. It's near Marcus' house.

I sigh, a mix of emotions swirling within me. Well, it is a nice neighborhood, and Marcus living close by doesn't have to mean anything. Besides, it will bring me closer to work.

Closing my laptop, I place it on the nightstand once more. Excitement is now tempered with a mix of conflicting emotions. Marcus made me feel alive in a way no one else did, but he's a jerk. That chapter is over, I remind myself, pushing aside the tinge of longing that threatens to resurface. A new beginning, in a new apartment, feels like a step in the right direction.